The family owned hotel injects some colour, life and good times into the Hamilton area.

Built in 1865 by Thomas Tudor, the now Bennett Hotel has seen many faces, served many a beer and been home to countless laughs. Over 100 years on, the building has been through renovations, the 1989 earthquakes and the ever-changing times of Newcastle, but one thing has held strong; its community element.

The current owners, brothers Dan and Joel Turner and good friend Simon Finlay, took over the pub in January 2019 and have stuck true to the building’s community philosophy and also revamping the space to bring some much-needed colour, life and good times into the Hamilton area.

Originally from Sydney, the trio have all had extensive experience in the hospitality industry from managing venues across Sydney to even purchasing (and selling) the Lambton Park Hotel.

“Newcastle is now home for Joel and I and we couldn’t imagine living anywhere else these days,” Dan said.

But why The Bennett?

“We always liked The Bennett; it was actually the very first hotel we visited when we were originally checking out Newcastle in 2015. It ticked a lot of boxes for us with its great location, license and community feel.”

Once work on the building started, the team were initially overwhelmed with the project ahead. With a kitchen that hadn’t been touched in 25 years, and a dated interior, the entire space was stripped back to its bare bones. With work on the last piece of the puzzle, the beer garden, completed in December 2019.

Like any pub, vistors can always expect to see your pub favourites on the menu. But, what’s different about The Bennett is the quality and options of the dishes available. Whilst the burgers and the schnitzels are mighty fine, it’s the Firecracker Salmon, Wild Mushroom Risotto, 12-Hour Pork Belly, and Salad options that really tantalise those tastebuds.

“With so many great venues across Newcastle, we need to ensure we set the bar high for ourselves, and our team is certainly doing so thus far. All our food, sauces, components etc are made in house and produced daily. It’s upscale pub food without the hefty price.”

Whatever your poison of choice may be, The Bennett’s bar has been lovingly stocked with everything from local wines to the 24 beer taps. That’s right beer lovers; 24 taps!

“All your usual suspects are on there, however we have about 5-6 taps which rotate weekly. There is a definite focus on providing our patrons with good quality craft beer, as Newcastle has a tremendous craft beer following.”

Love an Aperol Spritz? Maybe a Mojito? The Bennett currently has four cocktail jugs on offer for those of us that like a sunny afternoon in the beer garden sharing with friends (or keeping to yourself - no judgement).

If you’re one of the lucky ones working around the area, you’ll be glad to know these guys have got daily food specials ready to fuel you up on your lunch break. From the Classic Burger & Black Angus Rump, to the Char-Grilled Salad and Po’Boy; there’s something for everyone.

The Bennett is Hamilton’s new home for daily food specials, Sunday sessions (first Sunday of the month) and live tunes every Friday night. So, whether you’re wanting a cheap midweek lunch, somewhere to kick your Friday night off, a family dinner venue or a Sunday arvo beverage in the beer garden; The Bennett is the place to be.